[402] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Āḷavī, at the Aggāḷava Shrine. Now at that time the bhikkhus of Āḷavī, while carrying out building work (navakamma), knowing that the water contained living beings, sprinkled it — on grass and also on clay — and also had it sprinkled. Those bhikkhus who were of few wishes … criticized it, complained about it, and spread it about: "How can the bhikkhus of Āḷavī, knowing that the water contains living beings, sprinkle it — on grass and also on clay — and also have it sprinkled?" Then those bhikkhus reported this matter to the Blessed One. … "Is it true, as they say, bhikkhus, that you, knowing that the water contains living beings, sprinkle it — on grass and also on clay — and also have it sprinkled?" "It is true, Blessed One." The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them: "How can you, foolish men, knowing that the water contains living beings, sprinkle it — on grass and also on clay — and also have it sprinkled? This, foolish men, is not for the confidence of those without confidence, nor for the increase of those already confident. …" "And thus, bhikkhus, you should recite this training rule: 'Should any bhikkhu, knowing that water contains living beings, sprinkle it, or have it sprinkled, on grass or on clay, there is an offense of pācittiya.'"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.